Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

Word of the Day

Word of the day

denouement

[ dey-noo-mahn ] [ ˌdeɪ nuˈmɑ̃ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

the final resolution of the intricacies of a plot, as of a drama or novel.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose denouement

More about denouement

  • First recorded in 1745–55.
  • From French, literally means, “an untying.”
  • Noer from Old French means “to knot” and comes from a Latin derivative of nōdus, “knot.”
  • Sign up for more Word of the Day!

EXAMPLES OF DENOUEMENT

  • As the play reached its denouement, the audience held their breath in anticipation.
  • In a surprising denouement, the protagonist turned out to be the long-lost heir to the fortune.
Word of the Day promo
quiz icon
WHAT'S YOUR WORD IQ?
Think you're a word wizard? Try our word quiz, and prove it!
TAKE THE QUIZ
arrows pointing up and down
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
SEE TODAY'S SYNONYM
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

esculent

[ es-kyuh-luhnt ] [ ˈɛs kyə lənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

suitable for use as food; edible.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose esculent

More about esculent

  • First recorded in 1615–25.
  • Comes from Latin ēsculentus, “edible, full of food.”
  • Esculentus shares a root with escarole, “a broad leaf used in salads.”
  • Sign up for more Word of the Day!

EXAMPLES OF ESCULENT

  • Explorers in the jungle had to rely on their survival skills to find esculent plants for sustenance.
  • The food critic praised the restaurant for its innovative dishes featuring esculent flowers and herbs.
Word of the Day promo
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

kismet

[ kiz-met, kis- ] [ ˈkɪz mɛt, ˈkɪs- ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

fate; destiny.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose kismet

More about kismet

  • First recorded in 1840–50.
  • Comes from Turkish ultimately from Arabic qisma, qismat-, meaning “division, portion, lot, fate.”
  • Although a term from Islam, kismet is popularly used to refer to something that one believes was meant to be or the reason why such a thing happened.
  • Sign up for more Word of the Day!

EXAMPLES OF KISMET

  • The unexpected encounter with an old friend at the airport felt like kismet.
  • As he stood on the stage, delivering his award-winning speech, he couldn’t help but feel that kismet had guided him to this moment.
Word of the Day promo
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar